Disabled Americans, who have physical, cognitive, and/or mental disabilities, encounter societal challenges that affect them both physically and emotionally.

Physically, disabilities may limit mobility, affecting a person's ability to move or perform certain tasks. These limitations may be caused by the disability itself or accessibility issues. Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act's (ADA) existence, there are numerous accessibility gaps in our society. We are familiar with some of these gaps, such as the lack of ramps or elevators for wheelchair users and the lack of subtitles for the hearing-impaired. However, there are others that may not be as apparent, such as hotels not providing accessible features in rooms for wheelchair users and kitchen appliances not being accessible to the hearing-impaired. (Check out our podcast and TikTok channel, Technically Sick, for more information on these issues.) 

Emotionally, the challenges are more complex and challenging to quantify. Discrimination against disabled people is known as ableism. When one is labeled as disabled, they are often assumed to be disabled in all ways and are therefore considered incapable as a whole. In other words, they are discriminated against and treated as "abnormal." Ableism can lead to feelings of isolation, exclusion, and a sense of not belonging in society. It can also cause internalized feelings of shame, self-blame, and inadequacy. The emotional toll can be immense, both on the individual and the community. 

Unless you are disabled, you are unlikely to have considered most of these challenges, and that is the primary hurdle to overcome when it comes to creating awareness. Empathy, combined with education, is the key to advocating for a more mobile and disability-supportive country.

Here are some ways you can help make a more mobility conscious society: 

1. Educate yourself and others: Learn about mobility issues and how they affect people's lives. Start by thinking about people you know or have known in your life with disabilities and learn through research and, when possible, asking them about their experiences
2. Be an advocate: Share your knowledge with others and raise awareness about the challenges that disabled people face. Speak up for their rights and advocate for greater accessibility and inclusivity in your community. This may involve advocating for policy changes, supporting organizations that work on mobility issues, or participating in events that raise awareness about mobility issues.
3. Be inclusive: Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for people with mobility impairments. This may involve making physical accommodations, such as installing wheelchair ramps or accessible parking spots, as well as creating a culture of inclusivity that values diversity and recognizes the contributions of people with disabilities
4. Volunteer and support accessibility initiatives: Your time and skills can be used to support organizations that cater to people with mobility impairments. This may involve helping with events, providing support to individuals with mobility impairments, or assisting with advocacy efforts.

 *Read More (Story): Unintended Ableism

Check out our "Daring & Disabled" Collection